You know Robin's return to OUAT is gonna be bad, in a good way

Ever since Allyson Koerner can remember, she's been in a committed relationship with the entertainment and TV world, that is. After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in English and journalism, respectively, she's been living ...

At the end of Season 5, Robin was killed and it was definitely unexpected. So much so, that even Maguire was blindsided by his character's death. "In all honesty, no, I wouldn't say that I was," Maguire told The Hollywood Reporter about whether or not he was happy about how Robin's story ended. "I felt like it was an abrupt end; I didn't feel the character had any development this year and wasn't really written for. That was disappointing for people who liked Robin Hood and liked him and Regina together."

It definitely was upsetting to not only see Robin die, but to see Regina have her happy ending ripped away. So to hear that Robin is coming back is definitely happy news, though fans shouldn't get too excited. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like he is being resurrected, but he will return for multiple episodes. As you may recall, showrunner Edward Kitsis said at a screening for the Season 6 premiere (via TV Line) about Robin's status, "Dead is dead."

Despite that declaration, executive producers Kitsis and Adam Horowitz told EW, "We’re thrilled to have Sean back for this story arc and are excited for the audience to see what we have planned, which in the wake of his character’s heartbreaking demise, is something we hope is unexpected and surprising."

So how will Robin make his triumphant return? That remains unknown, but I have a few theories how he'll show up on OUAT.

The most obvious way for Robin to return is via flashback. Since OUAT heavily uses flashbacks, this seems like the logical choice. Though, maybe that's what the creators want fans to think and they'll surprise us with something completely different.

2. He'll show up in a dream

Seeing as Regina is missing Robin deeply, there's a good chance she'll dream about him. He is going to be in multiple episodes, so having him pop up in a dream over and over again seems repetitive, not to mention boring.

3. He'll show up in the future

Since the Oracle showed Emma her future, maybe Robin will somewhat make an appearance in the future, too? However, he is dead, so how is that possible? This is OUAT, so anything can happen.

4. He'll show up in another realm

In the Season 6 premiere, Henry told Regina that he believes there is a special place heroes go after they die. What if there is a realm purely for the souls of heroes and that's where Robin is, since it seems like his soul moved on? It could be something like the Underworld, but obviously a more permanent location, since Hades' world acted as a limbo for souls. OUAT could be planning to take a trip to this place for heroes and that's how Robin would be reintroduced.

5. His soul will need saving

Even though Henry and Regina are both choosing to believe that Robin's soul moved on, remember what Hades said after he killed Robin with the Olympian crystal? Per Hades, those who die at the hands of the Olympian crystal don't go to the Underworld, nor do they experience any kind of afterlife. If that's the case, where did Robin go? Maybe he and his soul will end up needing saving.

Who knows how Robin will return, but it's good to know we'll get to see his face once again.